BOSTON — Secretary of State William F. Galvin said he is sending home thousands of non-emergency state employees early on Tuesday because of a developing snowstorm.

Galvin is acting as the state's governor on Beacon Hill with Gov. Deval L. Patrick on a trade mission in Singapore. Patrick is scheduled to return to Massachusetts on Wednesday.

"Because of deteriorating weather conditions I have made a determination to release all non-emergency state employees early at 1:30 p.m. today," Galvin said in a statement. "I am also asking private employers in the Greater Boston area to consider releasing their employees earlier in order for them to reach their homes by 4 p.m. when the intensity of the storm is likely to make travel difficult."

In a phone interview, Galvin said he was not concerned about being criticized for his decision. Galvin said the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency recommended that he send non-emergency employees home early.

"It's in the best interests of the public," Galvin said. "I have to use my best judgment."

Galvin said snow is predicted to be more intense from Boston to Worcester, with six inches expected.

Galvin said his order includes all non-emergency state employees in the entire state. Galvin said he is asking state managers to use their best judgment and maintain a skeleton staff if possible to serve the public.

Galvin said it is colder in Western Massachusetts than the rest of the state, likely reducing foot traffic to state offices in the region.

Galvin said his decision also came after many school districts in the Boston suburbs ended classes early on Tuesday.

Because there will be fewer people driving on the roads at the peak of the storm around 6, he said, state plows and other equipment should be able to more effectively clear the highways and other roads.